Lamine Yamal got Spain going at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring the side’s first goal against Saudi Arabia at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday.
This was also Yamal’s first goal in a FIFA World Cup match. He did not start the first match against Cape Verde and came on as a substitute in the frustrating 0-0 draw.
At 18 years and 343 days, he becomes the second-youngest goalscorer for La Furia Roja at the World Cup. His Barcelona teammate Gavi remains the youngest player to score for Spain at 18 years and 110 days.
Interestingly, Yamal broke Lionel Messi’s record. The Argentina legend was 18 years and 357 days old when he scored his first goal during the 2006 World Cup.
Published on June 21, 2026
